ISHIKARI, Japan -- The forward-deployed Ticonderoga-class guided-missile destroyer USS Antietam (CG 54) arrived for a port visit to Ishikari, Japan, Feb. 3.

During Antietam’s time in port, the ship will meet with local officials and citizens, and the crew will enjoy sightseeing and the festivities at the 70th Annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

“Antietam is grateful for the opportunity to be hosted by the city of Ishikari Wan. We look forward to exploring the city as well as enjoying the Sapporo Snow Festival,” said Capt. George Kessler, Antietam’s commanding officer. “Visits like this deepen the bonds between our people and strengthen the alliance at the individual level.”

Antietam is a part of Battle Force Seventh Fleet and routinely operates throughout the Western Pacific on independent operations and as part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. The ship and the crew are forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.